6.5L opinions

Since i'm selling my 4runner to buy a tow rig, i've been looking at tons of trucks for sale. I started out wanting to find an older ford gasser but I've decided that i like the '88 and up chevys better. They look much more updated than the older fords and are overall a "nicer" truck. I've also come to realize that in my 3000.00 and under price range that i could potentially pick up a 6.5L diesel in either a 2500 or 3500 truck. I guess my question(s) would be, are these good dependable trucks? Are there any known trouble areas in them? What kind of milage is acceptable when looking for a good dependable daily driver/tow rig?

The 6.5 is a very reliable engine. Power is not as bad as some people say. In it's day it was the powerhouse of the diesels. There are a couple of things that should be done ASAP, and will fail over time.
The first is to relocate the PMD. I like SS Diesel Supply's FSD Heatsync for $350. This kit includes everything you need to do this. You will also want to replace the OPS (Oil Pressure Switch.) Again SS Diesel has a new version that is supposed to cure the failing of the old units. If you buy a 96 or older, you are going to want to upgrade the cooling system, again check out SS Diesel Supply.

Also you are going to want to put on a K&N Oil filter (and air filter.) The K&N oil filter has an anti-drain back valve, that keeps the oil from draining back into the pan when the engine is shut off. This makes starting easier, because it takes less cranks to get the OPS to allow fuel to pump.

Also you are going to want to put on a K&N Oil filter (and air filter.) The K&N oil filter has an anti-drain back valve, that keeps the oil from draining back into the pan when the engine is shut off. This makes starting easier, because it takes less cranks to get the OPS to allow fuel to pump.

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Ever take a filter off from a stock oil filter , it will be full of oil, so no n eed for a "special filter"rotfl

79Transtar, read the post again. The K&N has an anti drain back valve. It keeps oil in the top end. Every filter that hangs from the engine will be full of oil, thank you gravity. The K&N keeps the oil from draining from the rest of the engine back in to the pan. Plus they have a better filtering system, with less pressure loss. Short story, spend the extra $3 and quit cryin'.

79Transtar, read the post again. The K&N has an anti drain back valve. It keeps oil in the top end. Every filter that hangs from the engine will be full of oil, thank you gravity. The K&N keeps the oil from draining from the rest of the engine back in to the pan. Plus they have a better filtering system, with less pressure loss. Short story, spend the extra $3 and quit cryin'.